Loretta Emma Roberson

May 3, 1934 - January 27, 2016

Loretta Emma Roberson, 81, of Rockford passed away on January 27, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Born May 3, 1934 in Barnum, WI, daughter of Henry and Mary (Proudfoot) Welsh. United in marriage to Henry Roberson on March 5, 1955 in Mississippi. The youngest of thirteen children, Loretta’s faith and values were shaped by being treated so specially by her family and, at a young age, caring for her aging parents after most of her brothers and sisters had left home. As a lifetime homemaker, Loretta was a devoted wife and proud mother, grandmother, and great grand-mother. She gave us one of life’s most meaningful measures, the confidence of knowing that we belonged. She always put her family’s needs before hers and could be counted on to be at the kitchen table eager to listen, offer comfort, advice, a cup of hot tea, and some laughter; you know that magical kind that could bring everyone to tears. Loretta loved to laugh, oh how she loved to laugh. There was never a doubt her love was unconditional. She will be deeply missed. Loretta was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church, where she participated in the Senior Club and Ladies Guild. She enjoyed chocolates, shopping for just that right item to display in her home, collecting ceramic angels, gardening, traveling (though she was always relieved to be back home), country and gospel music, hosting family gatherings, and dancing polkas with her sisters and other family members at weddings. Above all Loretta loved children, and even after Alzheimer’s disease took her memories, her face would always light-up every time she saw a child’s bright face or heard their laughter. This delight she refused to have taken from her. Survived by her children, Ron, Rick (Sally Fricke), Randy (Sue Hazlewood-Roberson), Reginald, Rosalynn (Bruce) Keirn; grandchildren, Aaron (Anna), Joshua (Amber Patton), Kaila (Scott Strubhart) Brittany (Chris McCarthy), Brooke (Rick) Barker, Sarah (Justin) Johnson, Leah (Manny) Weyermann; great-grandchildren, Max and Ian Barker, Alanna and Avery Johnson, Carter McCarthy, step-granddaughter Mandy Buttner, sister, Millie Heffner of WI and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry, and son Rodney. The family extends deep appreciation to the staff at Fairhaven for their excellent care. We would also like to thank family, friends, and others for the cards and support we received the past few years. Your concern was always appreciated. Finally we thank Northern llinois Hospice for their compassionate assistance. Funeral Service on February 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center, 3470 N. Alpine Rd. Rockford. Pastor Gretchen Hammeke, Westminster Presbyterian, will officiate. Visitation from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Memorials may be made to Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. Entombment immediately following the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Grace Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.